Cinal EX product development story

Although Cinal EX is still used regularly by many people today, there has been strong demand for the inclusion of calcium pantothenate, an ingredient that supports normal skin functions included in other products of the Cinal brand.

By adding calcium pantothenate to existing ingredients, we aimed to provide an even more powerful “pro” formula. Our aim was to create an environment where people can easily access effective medicines at drugstores even when they cannot go to a hospital or clinic. With this in mind, we moved forward with development.

In reality, vitamin C and calcium pantothenate develop interactions, and combining them and stabilizing them over a long term was quite a challenge.

The team explored various formulation technologies and, through trial and error, came up with a method of creating each ingredient as separate granules and then combining them into a single substance. The method was challenging, but through hard work we were able to achieve a product of medical grade.

In addition, since vitamin C is prone to discoloration, we employ a unique manufacturing method that does not use water. The technology accumulated through the development of the Cinal products also forms the basis of the new Cinal EX Pro.

Like Cinal EX, Cinal EX Pro is available in two types: chewable tablets that can be taken without water, and granules.

An unexpected challenge was the flavor. Citrus fruits are closely associated with the image of vitamin C and are easy to take. However, there are many different types of citrus fruits. How could we maintain the existing image of Cinal while creating a flavor that was highly satisfying?

After trying quite a few samples, we decided on a yuzu flavor. It has a lighter taste than existing flavors and is appealing to adults.

Additionally, by adding a sugar-free sweetener, we succeeded in capturing the aroma of yuzu and creating a delicious taste. The product also has a smooth texture that dissolves in a mouth.